Halifax Woman’s Four-Year Wait for Gynecologist Sparks Legislative Action and Protests in Nova Scotia
Haley Smith, a Halifax resident facing a potential four-to-five-year wait for gynecological care, has become the face of growing pressure on the Nova Scotia government to improve women's health access. Her testimony coincided with NDP-led legislative efforts and a march by the group WATCH, while officials cited new staffing and upcoming clinics as part of their response.
Haley Smith, a 36-year-old woman living in Halifax, is publicly sharing her struggle with fibroids, cysts, and adenomyosis after being told she faces a potential four-to-five-year wait to see a gynecologist. Smith reported experiencing prolonged bleeding for 131 days while being told her symptoms were normal. She expressed concern about her fertility and future ability to become a mother due to these delays, describing herself as feeling lost, alone, unheard, and frustrated during her ordeal.
Smith’s story was featured at a news conference organized by the NDP, which is forcing debate on three pieces of legislation aimed at improving health care. NDP Leader Claudia Chender called for transparency and measurable progress in addressing long wait times for women's health care. The timing of Smith’s testimony coincided with a march to Province House organized by the group Women’s Access to Care & Health (WATCH). Members of WATCH remain hopeful but continue to advocate for no woman being left behind in care.
Independent MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin tabled a bill to improve women’s health outcomes, highlighting disparities in wait times compared to men. She compared the four-year wait for a gynecologist to hypothetical male health scenarios to illustrate the gap in service accessibility. These legislative debates and public marches are pressuring the government to address health care wait times.
In response, Nova Scotia Health stated that thirteen full-time equivalent positions have been recruited for gynecological services. Officials also noted that the Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Clinic recently progressed from a pilot clinic into a recognized research clinic. Health Minister Michelle Thompson announced that the new Menopause Centre of Excellence will open in Spryfield this winter, offering both in-person and virtual care.